Constellation Brands to Invest US$100 Million in US Farmers

Constellation Brands says it will invest an additional US$100 million over the next five years to support barley, corn, and hops farmers in Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota, as US producers face rising input costs, declining acreage, and persistent weather challenges. The investment will include increased purchases from US farmers and initiatives designed to improve the resilience and long-term sustainability of agricultural operations, strengthening the domestic supply chain that supports Constellation’s beer business.

The commitment comes as the American Farm Bureau Federation describes the US farm economy as facing a generational downturn, with higher production costs, rising debt, and continued weather challenges putting pressure on farm finances. More producers are relying on government aid to stabilize their balance sheets rather than expand their operations, according to the organization.

For Constellation Brands, the investment targets three agricultural commodities that are essential to beer production and supports a supply chain extending from farmers and maltsters to brewers, distributors, retailers, transportation companies, and local communities. “We have deep respect for the persistence and expertise of these growers, especially after several challenging years for American farming, and we remain committed to continuing to support this foundational part of our supply chain,” says Nicholas Fink, President and CEO, Constellation Brands.

Investment Targets Key Agricultural States

Constellation Brands will work directly with growers in Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota to identify opportunities for long-term support. The program will focus on agricultural resilience, market access, sustainability, and the economic strength of farming communities.

The company will also establish Constellation Brands’ Farmers Future, a grower-led advisory committee that will bring together farmers, agricultural trade organizations and community leaders. The committee will help guide investment priorities and identify measures to strengthen the domestic agricultural supply chain.

Barley production is particularly relevant to the three states, which are significant agricultural producers and have established barley industries supporting rural economies. Idaho, Montana, and North Dakota officials welcomed the investment, highlighting the role of barley growers in the broader US economy and beverage industry.

Idaho Governor Brad Little says the state was proud to be one of the country’s leading barley producers and that the partnership recognizes the contribution of growers to Idaho and the US economy. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong says the state’s barley industry has a long and proud history and that the investment would help farmers continue contributing to the US beverage industry.

Agricultural organizations, including the Idaho Barley Commission, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, North Dakota Barley Council and Montana Grain Growers, also highlighted the importance of strong markets and committed buyers for the future of US barley production.

Constellation Brands’ Agricultural Supply Chain

The new commitment adds to more than US$750 million Constellation Brands says it already invests annually with US farmers and suppliers. The company purchases approximately 80% of all US barley exports, making domestic agricultural production a significant component of its beer operations.

Constellation Brands adds that its US operations support more than 100,000 jobs across its supply chain and that it invests more than US$4.2 billion annually through employee wages, capital expenditures, and US taxes. “US barley, corn, and hops farmers are an essential part of the American economy and foundational to our business. Their work supports communities, drives economic activity across the supply chain and makes it possible for our products to reach consumers across the country,” Fink says. 

The company says the additional investment is intended to provide stronger markets for growers while addressing challenges affecting US agriculture, including declining acreage, changing consumer demand, higher input costs, and weather-related pressures.

The investment will support Constellation Brands’ beer portfolio, which includes Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, and Pacífico, by reinforcing access to domestically produced agricultural inputs and strengthening relationships with growers and agricultural organizations.